The 16th Annual Manifest Prize

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize, now in its 16th year, has increased its annual award to $10,000, aiming to reward, showcase, celebrate, and document exceptional artwork. This opportunity is open to works of any media, any genre/style, and any size, provided they were completed within the past five years (2020-2025). The winning work will be featured in a four-week solo exhibition from December 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026, in one of Manifest's five galleries. Four finalist works will also receive $250 each. The selection process involves a rigorous multi-round blind jury of 7-15+ professional and academic advisors. The winning artist and finalists will be documented in the Manifest Exhibition Annual, a high-quality hard-cover retrospective publication. Artists selected for exhibition are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery, and works must arrive gallery-ready. Manifest Gallery provides insurance for works while on gallery premises, covering theft, vandalism, and damage caused by patrons or staff, but excludes shipping damage or issues due to the work's inherent nature. Works are not required to be for sale, but if sold, the artist receives a 70% commission. Submission images must be high-quality JPEGs, at least 1000 pixels in any direction and 72 dpi, named with specific conventions. Video submissions require a direct online viewing link in addition to a representative JPEG image. Professional-level presentation and craftsmanship are a must. By submitting, artists agree to the conditions, confirm work availability, and commit to shipping/delivery if selected.

What is Offered

A $10,000 cash award to the winning artist, a four-week solo exhibition of the single winning work, inclusion in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication, and four runner-up awards of $250 each.

Requirements

The opportunity is open to everyone, accepting exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship, completed within the past five years (2020-2025). Submissions must be available for exhibition from December 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026. Works must be capable of being exhibited in one of Manifest's galleries, with professional presentation and craftsmanship. Artists agree to make their work available and ship/deliver it if selected, and adhere to image submission guidelines.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the provided entry form at https://www.manifestgallery.org/one/entry/index.html. Digital images (JPEG) and video links (for video-based works) must be uploaded via a Dropbox link provided after form submission. Payment of the non-refundable entry fee ($60 for up to five entries, $5 per additional entry) can be made by U.S. check or credit card via PayPal, using the link provided post-submission. Artists should adhere to specific file naming conventions for images.